Below you’ll find a small sampling of our July diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
It’s summertime! When most of us think of July, we think of the fireworks celebrating the founding of the United States. However, several other diversity days are worth our attention. Here are some July diversity topics that should be on your radar this year.
July 2: Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday
Thurgood Marshall was the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice. This year, we’ll celebrate his birthday with the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on the court. These individuals are vital reminders of just how much representation matters. In addition to being a justice, Marshall was also a well-known civil rights activist.
July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday
Happy birthday to the 14th Dalai Lama, the most famous Buddhist teacher in the world. The Dalai Lama is widely respected for his commitment to both nonviolence and Tibetan freedom. He was awarded the 1989 peace prize for advocating for solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. Despite being exiled from Tibet, he has continually sought to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.
July 6: Frida Kahlo’s Birthday
July diversity celebrations include the birthday of Frida Kahlo (Women, Mexican): one of the most recognizable painters of the 20th century
July 7: The Hajj
Our July diversity month includes The Hajj, an annual pilgrimage and one of the pillars of Islam. All able-bodied Muslims are required to undertake the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Once in Mecca, all Muslims perform a series of rituals. Discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2022.
July 18: Nelson Mandela’s Birthday
On this day, we celebrate the birth of the South African civil rights leader. He won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993. He then served as the country’s first Black president from 1994 to 1999, leading the country’s transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy. Mandela demonstrated that all people can make a positive impact on the world through small acts of kindness. Consider spending this day volunteering for a local cause. And celebrate Mandela’s legacy by fostering greater racial inclusion with online diversity training.
July 25: Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day, a July multicultural holiday, is associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) as well as a Utah State holiday. It officially marks the date when LDS church founder Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake area. To celebrate, most people take the day off, watch fireworks, walk the Mormon Trail, go to picnics, etc.
July 26: Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. This civil rights law made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in areas like employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and access to state and local government programs/services.
Celebrate the anniversary of the ADA by conducting in-house training to increase sensitivity for people with disabilities. Or review physical or architectural barriers in your workplace, and ensure your website and other digital assets are compliant for people with visual and other impairments.
Final Thoughts
Every day is a great time change the world – and create greater equity and inclusion – with a small act of kindness or celebration of diversity. Get a head start on the rest of the year with our Equality and Diversity Calendar 2022.